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Sometimes, Windows 11 may display a deleted user account on the login screen. This can be confusing and may prevent you from accessing your computer smoothly. The issue usually happens due to leftover user profile data or system errors.

Fortunately, fixing this problem is straightforward and does not require advanced technical skills. By following a few simple steps, you can remove the deleted user from the login screen and restore normal login functionality.

This guide will walk you through each step clearly and carefully. You will also find alternative methods and helpful tips to ensure the issue is fully resolved.

Let’s get started with some quick notes before diving into the solutions.

Quick Note

Before you begin troubleshooting, make sure to check the following:

• Backup important data: Although these steps are safe, it’s always good to have a backup of your important files.
• Admin access: You will need administrator privileges to perform some of the steps below.
• Windows updates: Ensure your Windows 11 is up to date, as some bugs are fixed by updates.
• Restart your PC: Sometimes, a simple restart can clear temporary glitches.

Step 1: Remove the Deleted User from User Accounts Settings

The first and easiest step is to check the User Accounts settings. Sometimes, deleted users still appear because their profiles are partially saved.

1. Press Windows + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type netplwiz and press Enter. This opens the User Accounts window.
3. Look through the list of users for the deleted account.
4. If you see the deleted user, select it and click Remove.
5. Confirm the removal and close the window.
6. Restart your computer and check if the login screen still shows the deleted user.

Why this matters: The User Accounts window controls which accounts are recognized by Windows during login. Removing leftover entries here clears the display of deleted users.

Step 2: Delete the User Profile Folder Manually

Sometimes, the user profile folder remains on your system even after deleting the user account. Removing this folder can help fix the problem.

1. Open File Explorer.
2. Navigate to C:Users.
3. Look for the folder with the name of the deleted user.
4. Right-click on the folder and select Delete.
5. Empty your Recycle Bin to permanently remove the folder.
6. Restart your computer and check the login screen again.

Why this matters: Windows shows user profiles on the login screen based on existing profile folders. Deleting the folder removes the leftover profile reference.

Step 3: Remove Deleted User from Registry Editor

If the deleted user still appears, it may be due to registry entries that were not cleaned up. The Registry Editor allows you to remove these entries manually.

Important: Be careful when using the Registry Editor. Incorrect changes can cause system issues. It’s recommended to create a system restore point before proceeding.

1. Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type regedit and press Enter to open the Registry Editor.
3. If prompted by User Account Control, click Yes.
4. Navigate to this path:
   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionProfileList
5. Inside the ProfileList folder, you will see several subkeys starting with S-1-5-.
6. Click on each subkey and check the ProfileImagePath entry on the right side. This shows the user folder path.
7. Find the subkey that corresponds to the deleted user’s profile folder (for example, C:UsersDeletedUserName).
8. Right-click on the subkey and choose Delete.
9. Confirm the deletion and close the Registry Editor.
10. Restart your computer and verify the login screen.

Why this matters: Windows loads user profiles based on registry keys under ProfileList. Removing outdated keys ensures deleted users don’t appear.

Alternative Method: Use Command Prompt to Remove User Accounts

If you prefer using the command line, you can remove user accounts with simple commands. This method is useful if the User Accounts window does not show the deleted user.

1. Press Windows + X and select Windows Terminal (Admin) or Command Prompt (Admin).
2. Type the following command and press Enter to list all user accounts:
   net user
3. Find the deleted user’s name in the list.
4. To delete the user, type:
   net user DeletedUserName /delete
   Replace DeletedUserName with the actual username.
5. Restart your computer and check the login screen.

FAQs

Why does Windows 11 show deleted users on the login screen?

This usually happens because some user profile data or registry entries were not fully removed when the user account was deleted.

Can I safely delete user profile folders from C:Users?

Yes, but only if you are sure the user account has been deleted and you no longer need any files inside the folder.

What if I cannot delete the user profile folder?

Make sure you are logged in as an administrator and that the folder is not in use. Restarting your PC can help unlock folders.

Is editing the registry risky?

Editing the registry must be done carefully. Always back up your registry or create a restore point before making changes.

Will these steps remove all traces of the deleted user?

Yes, these steps remove user accounts from system settings, delete user profile folders, and clean associated registry entries.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the steps above and the deleted user still appears on the login screen, consider the following options:

• Run System File Checker: Open Command Prompt as admin and run sfc /scannow to fix corrupted system files.
• Create a new user account: Sometimes creating a new administrator account can reset account lists.
• Contact Microsoft Support: Visit the official Microsoft Support for personalized help.
• Reset or reinstall Windows: As a last resort, you can reset Windows 11 while keeping your files or perform a clean installation.

Conclusion

Seeing a deleted user on the Windows 11 login screen can be frustrating, but it is usually easy to fix. Start by removing user accounts through the User Accounts settings or Command Prompt. Then, delete leftover profile folders and clean up registry entries carefully.

Each step helps Windows recognize only active, valid user accounts. Taking these actions will restore a clean and accurate login screen.

Remember to back up important data and proceed with caution when editing system files or the registry. With patience and the instructions above, you can solve this issue quickly and get your Windows 11 PC working smoothly again.